The common values and the shared commitment to a rules-based regional order will allow the Philippines-Australia comprehensive partnership to move forward in the face of a changing security environment. This was highlighted in the Think Tank Dialogue held on 21 July 2017 at De La Salle University, Manila, organized by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), in partnership with Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) of Griffith University, Australia and with the support of the Yuchengco Center (YC).

The dialogue brought together Australian and Filipino scholars and government officials acting in their private capacity, to exchange insights on geopolitical and economic developments in the region as they impact Philippines-Australia relations. The topics covered were the future of the regional security architecture, major power relations, the state of the regional economy, maritime security cooperation, and non-traditional security challenges.

The speakers shared the view that the uncertainty and unpredictability in the political and economic environment pose risks but also provide opportunities for the Philippines and Australia to work together and strengthen their bilateral relationship. However, there is still a need to address some nuances on how each country approaches regional challenges. Both countries should also identify and articulate their respective views on the regional order and seek common ground to advance cooperation. The dialogue also emphasized the need for sustained interface between the Track 2 and policy communities in exploring policy options toward the strengthening of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.